Chapter l166

Chapter 0166

“We will have to tread very carefully here. Terry is the Luna’s beloved brother and has sway over the

entire royal family.”

“it doesn’t matter how well connected he is,” I said. “We can’t let him get away with it. Or anyone else.

who could be involved.”

Julian watched me a moment. “This isn’t just about your wolf.” That wasn’t a question. He already knew,

he just wanted me to confirm it for him.

So I did.

“Not just, no, Elva has abilities. She’s showing them already. I worry everyday about her safety. Those monsters could find her and hurt her, or manipulate her like they did me. And maybe she’s safe now with Mark, but he won’t always be around.”

I pressed my hand to my chest in attempt to ease the growing discomfort there. Worry for Elva lived forever inside of me. I wasn’t sure solving this mystery would totally fix that, but it might ease the

constant hurt.

“The only way to truly protect Elva long term is to bring down this organization before they can come for her.” I spoke soundly, and from deep within. I hoped it would be enough to convince him.

He smiled. “Let’s go preserve Elva’s happy future, then,”

With an overwhelming feeling of victory, I pulled him into a sitting hug.

To n

my surprise, his hand came around my waist, returning it.

Later, as I was searching for Elva, Susie, and Mark out in the gardens, I came upon Nicholas on a walk. He immediately stopped, spotting me at once. Slowly he approached me, as one would a startled animal.

I felt equally on eggshells around him, remembering the way my b*dy had reacted to his last night.

“How are you feeling?” he asked me, when he was close enough,

“Much better, thank you.”

I tried not to cringe at how formal I sounded. This was Nicholas, not some stranger. We were friends. Friends did embarrassing things in front of each other all the time. Granted, it wasn’t usually wanton moans when the other friend touched them, but still.

motioned toward his hand, which had been wrapped in bandage.

“Does it hurt?”

He shrugged. “Nothing broken.” His jaw set into a hard line. “I just wish I could have used it to bust

Terry’s face rather than your wall. At least Brian got a solid hit in, from what Julian says.”

I nodded. I didn’t usually wish violence on anyone, but if anyone needed their face punched, it was Terry.

“If he ever comes near you again, Piper, tell me at once. And if I’m not there, tell Mark, or Brian, or even Julian, if he is present and I am not. He’s no great hero but our hatred for our uncle will help him see the

light.”

“Trust me,” I assured him. “I have no intention of being near him ever again. This time was a mistake that I will not repeat.”

“Good.” Nicholas looked at me a moment, then away.

I hated this awkwardness between us.

“Nicholas, about what happened last night…”

“It’s forgotten, Piper.”

“It does not seem so forgotten.” I worried my bottom l*p.

He looked at me again, then sighed this time. “I apologize, but I think about what Terry almost did to your and I… I become very angry.” He stepped an inch closer. “I want to keep you safe, Piper. You must know that.”

“I do.” Though I didn’t totally understand why. Nostalgia, perhaps. Or for a sake of honor since we were

in his home. Or maybe to help keep Elva safe as well, since he was so fond of her.

Whatever his reasoning, I was grateful. “Thank you,” I said. “I do know that.”

He nodded. Then he opened his mouth like he meant to say more.

Lilliana spoke first. “Piper, there you are.” She rounded Nicholas’s side, standing very close to him. ” was hoping to speak with you.”

I blinked.

Lilliana wanted to speak with me?